What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is thousands of years old and is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is a unique system of healthcare that aims at harmonizing the Mind, Body & Spirit.

Acupuncture addresses the concept of energetic balance. Energy known as Qi (chee) that is essential for health, flows through the body in distinct pathways, called meridians. Each meridian connects with a specific organ and shares its energy.

Any imbalance or obstruction in the flow of Qi through an organ or its associated meridian leads to symptom development and subsequent illness. The flow of Qi can be affected by stress, imbalanced diet, over exertion, lack of physical activity, excess emotions as well as environmental and other life style factors.

The goal of acupuncture is to relieve the obstruction and re-establish the balance of Qi in the body thus, addressing the causes of imbalance.  The holistic treatment incorporating acupuncture will help you achieve optimal results and will promote health and harmony of the mind and body.

What is Rehab?

Rehabilitation medicine or Physiatry, is a branch of medicine which addresses the disease process or injury, seeks to enhance and restore function and the over-all quality of life of the individual with physical impairments and disabilities.

With addressing the rehab needs of the individual, not only is the physical aspect of the person focused upon but the functional, social, and psychological components.

Rehabilitation is a treatment or multiple treatments formulated to facilitate recovery from illness, diseases, or injury to return a person to their pre-morbid level of function or to an optimal state of function.  Rehab methods and treatments are prescribed for many types of illnesses, diseases, or injuries to include amputations, arthritis, cardiac disease, neurological diseases or problems, pain problems such as acute and chronic pain, fibromyalgia, headache syndromes, orthopedic injuries, spinal cord injuries, stroke, traumatic brain injuries, and other conditions affecting an individual’s ability to function effectively.

With addressing the rehab needs of the individual, not only is the physical aspect of the person focused upon but the functional, social, psychological and environmental needs. Multiple rehabilitation approaches are utilized in the everyday treatment of patients to improve function.  Exercises and physical interventions take into account the patient’s deficits and are prescribed with emphasis on recovery and improvement.

Preparation for Your Visit

Some advice to get the most benefit from your acupuncture treatments and to avoid side effects.

Before you come for your acupuncture visit:

  • Bring a list of all medications and supplements you are taking
  • Wear no make-up or perfume, especially on your first visit.
  • Loose clothing is more convenient. We ask the patient to undress if the painful area is difficult to access otherwise.
  • Do not drink coffee at least 5 hours prior to your visit.
  • Have a light meal or snack before the visit. Heavy meals can cause nausea. Empty stomach can be the cause of dizziness after the treatment.
  • Drink enough water on the day of the treatment
  • Do not eat or drink food that changes the color of your tongue.
  • Do not drink alcohol.

 After your acupuncture visit:

  • Do not drink alcohol
  • Do not eat greasy or spicy food
  • Rest is preferable. Make the day as easy as possible.
  • Do not exercise
  • Do not shower

Health History Form